Tributes

Virgil Y. Niemietz, known as Y.A., sailed his way into heaven on April 27, 2024, at the age of 58. He was born in San Antonio Texas on January 4, 1966 to Gladys & Virgil Niemietz and lived a life that was full of love, laughter, and kindness. Y.A. was a graduate of McCollum High School, where he enjoyed playing football and where he met his life-long friend and ‘brother’, Ben Brown. He had a passion and talent for many things; he was an avid Cowboys fan, he was very handy and could build or fix anything, he enjoyed hunting, fishing at the coast, having a cold beer and a laugh, and of course cooking. Y.A. found an immense passion for cooking at a young age and he was damn good at it, proof being in the many barbecue, gumbo, and chili cook-offs he won. He was a self-proclaimed pit-master and the “Chili King”, and no one could argue with that! And he enjoyed doing things with or for his family and friends. If someone needed something they knew they could call Y.A. and he would be there as soon as he could be to help. The time he spent hunting and fishing was always with friends and family. And the only thing he loved more than cooking was sharing the food he made with any and everyone, loved ones or strangers, and seeing them enjoy what he had created. Which was a good thing because Y.A. always cooked for a crowd! He never went a day without a smile and made a friend pretty much everywhere he went. Y.A.'s approach to life was simple: be kind and helpful, enjoy moments with your family and friends and have a cold beer while you’re at it. As we bid farewell to a great man, loving father, the sweetest brother a sister could have, wonderful friend, and AMAZING chef, let us remember Y.A. not with sadness, but with the joy and care he so generously spread. He left the world just as he lived in it—on his own terms. We know everyone that knew him will miss him dearly, but this is not goodbye, it’s "See ya later”. And in that spirit, let's celebrate the life and laughter he shared with us all. Y.A. is preceded in death by his mother & father, Gladys & Virgil Niemietz. He is survived by his daughter Tamlynn Niemietz, sister Melonie Bishop, girlfriend Cynde Crittell (& family), nieces Ashliegh Jeneby (husband Thomas Jeneby, great niece and nephew Kallie & Max) & Dancee Bishop (husband Adrian Escobar), Aunt/Godmother Betty Jean & Uncle Rudy, Ryan, and countless other family and friends. In lieu of flowers Y.A. would have wanted you to lend someone a helping hand and to enjoy your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant with someone you cared about.

Tributes

" Y.A." Virgil Y. Niemietz

January 4, 1966 - April 27, 2024